Catheter handle assembly

Abstract

A catheter handle assembly includes a holder having a proximal end and a distal end. An electrode sheath carrier is arranged at the distal end of the holder. A shape imparting element carrier is removably mountable to the proximal end of the holder, the shape imparting element carrier having at least one mounting formation for mounting at least a part of a shape imparting element. A slide is displaceably arranged in the holder with a distal end of the slide mounting the electrode sheath carrier and a proximal end of the slide terminating in proximity to the shape imparting element carrier.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A catheter handle assembly, comprising:
 a holder having a proximal end and a distal end, the holder configured to be gripped by a user's hand; 
 an electrode sheath carrier arranged at the distal end of the holder; 
 a shape-imparting element carrier repeatably mountable to and detachable from the proximal end of the holder, the shape-imparting element carrier having at least one mounting formation, the at least one mounting formation configured to mount at least a part of a shape-imparting element; and 
 a slide displaceably arranged in the holder with a distal end of the slide mounting the electrode sheath carrier and a proximal end of the slide terminating in proximity to a distal end of the shape-imparting element carrier. 
 
     
     
       2. The catheter handle assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the holder tapers inwardly from its proximal end to its distal end. 
     
     
       3. The catheter handle assembly of  claim 1 , wherein an abutment is arranged on the holder to provide a grip for a user's hand. 
     
     
       4. The catheter handle assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a shape-imparting element, wherein the shape-imparting element carrier comprises a manipulating element and a receiving member, the receiving member configured for receiving a further part of the shape-imparting element, the receiving member slidably received in an end of the manipulating element. 
     
     
       5. The catheter handle assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the manipulating element and the receiving member include locating formations receivable in complementary receiving formations of the holder and the slide, respectively. 
     
     
       6. The catheter handle assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the slide includes a guide arrangement arranged in proximity to the receiving formation of the slide, the guide arrangement guiding the shape-imparting element into a proximal end of the slide. 
     
     
       7. The catheter handle assembly of  claim 6 , wherein the slide includes a body member which supports a guide member extending distally from the guide arrangement. 
     
     
       8. The catheter handle assembly of  claim 7 , wherein a secondary guide member extends proximally from the electrode sheath carrier, the secondary guide member cooperating with the guide member of the slide for guiding and supporting the shape-imparting element in the holder. 
     
     
       9. The catheter handle assembly of  claim 7 , wherein a distal part of the body member includes a tubular part and projects from the distal end of the holder, the electrode sheath carrier being slidably received on a distal portion of the tubular part. 
     
     
       10. The catheter handle assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the tubular part includes a proximal portion arranged in the distal end of the holder, the proximal portion being separated from the distal portion by a mount, a slide control member being carried by the mount. 
     
     
       11. The catheter handle assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the proximal portion and the distal portion of the tubular part each carry a friction-inducing component for increasing friction between the slide and the holder and between the slide and the electrode sheath carrier, respectively. 
     
     
       12. The catheter handle assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the electrode sheath carrier carries a guide element that facilitates insertion of the shape-imparting element through the electrode sheath carrier. 
     
     
       13. The catheter handle assembly of  claim 12 , wherein the electrode sheath carrier includes an adaptor carrying a closure element for inhibiting backflow of fluid into the holder. 
     
     
       14. The catheter handle assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the manipulating element has a substantially paddle-shaped handle projecting axially from the holder. 
     
     
       15. The catheter handle assembly of  claim 14 , wherein the proximal end of the holder and the manipulating element define an access opening through which at least one of a bundle of electrical conductors and a conduit can pass.